Macca made the announcement in an interview with the Australian Daily Telegraph (which you can read here), saying: “It the one thing in my career I regret, not making an Olympics. This is my last shot. The door swings shut after this.

“I don’t know if I am fast enough anymore to win but I’d love to be there to help an Australian win a medal.”

He then confirmed that he is meeting with the Australian High Performance Team via Twitter: @MaccaNow: News is out. Have a meeting w/ the Australian High Performance Team on Sat. I am aware this is a big move, but u only live once!

The news will send shockwaves through triathlon – both long and short course – as the former Olympic distance World Champion will spend the year now chasing the points he requites for Olympic qualification.